Capoeira Canberra

Welcome to Capoeira Senzala Australia.

Capoeira Senzala Australia is lead by Mestre Rodriguinho and is based in Canberra, Australia. Our main goals are to promote Capoeira and Brazilian Culture and bring the benefits of playing Capoeira to everyone! We hold beginners courses and regular classes through out Canberra.

What is Capoeira?

Capoeira is a martial art and form of expression that combines fighting, dance, play and acrobatics. In action, it is a dialog and a contest between two actors, or combatants (capoeiristas), who communicate through movement; surrounded by participants who sing and play in a circle (roda) surrounding them. The discussion can reflect all the feelings that we might anticipate from normal oral communication, so any given contest can encompass anything from lighthearted play and fun to a deadly serious discussion. Behind this martial art lies a philosophy, a lifestyle, where people are given a structure to channel their daily problems, joys, habits and their inner personality out through the art of capoeira.
Capoeira originated in colonial Brazil. Although the precise details of its origin are still a subject of debate among capoeira historians, we know that the African slaves, and their culture, background and lifestyle, played an important role in the development. Brazil was however, the the last country in the world to abolish slavery (in 1888), and it was for many years against the law to cultivate African culture, and the relevant documents from slave-times have now been destroyed.
The myths tell us that the slaves developed capoeira as a form of cultural rebellion and a way of training dangerous warriors. The art was camouflaged with song, music and acrobatics to hide the training from the slave owners.
Capoeira was illegal in Brazil until 1937. In 2009 it was declared a national treasure and is now practiced by millions of people around the world. For some it is a pastime – for others a way of life.

MESTRE RODRIGO:Mestre Rodriguinho, began Capoeira in July 1985 when he was only nine years old, in the city of Vitória/ES, Brazil with Mestre Luis Paulo Grupo Senzala de Capoeira. He was inspired by the philosophy and style of Grupo Senzala.

In May, 1996 Mestre Rodriguinho started to attend training sessions at Centro Cultural Senzala de Capoeira directed by Mestre Peixinho in Rio de Janeiro. Since then he began to have more exchanges with Mestre Peixinho and the Groupo Senzala. He participated in many events and seminars. Soon he was coordinating a branch of the Grupo Senzala in Vitória/ES Brazil which taught the capoeira in schools, kindergartens, clubs and Sport Fitness Centers. He was always proud to have Mestre Peixinho as his master; a very important person in his development as capoeirista and as a Capoeira’s professional and educator.

Mestre Rodriguinho completed his post-graduate studies in Physical Education, specialising in school education and sports, and was recognized as a Capoeira master for Grupo Senzala in 2012. During this grading ceremony, Mestre Rodriguinho was honoured to be invited to play with the highly respected Grupo Senzala Mestres, including the prestigious founding Mestres.

In 2008, Mestre Rodriguinho moved to Canberra, Australia where he has been teaching capoeira ever since. Whilst in Canberra, he has also been performing for various events. He is very proud to share the Brazilian culture with the Australian Community.

MESTRE RODRIGO:Mestre Rodriguinho, began Capoeira in July 1985 when he was only nine years old, in the city of Vitória/ES, Brazil with Mestre Luis Paulo Grupo Senzala de Capoeira. He was inspired by the philosophy and style of Grupo Senzala.

In May, 1996 Mestre Rodriguinho started to attend training sessions at Centro Cultural Senzala de Capoeira directed by Mestre Peixinho in Rio de Janeiro. Since then he began to have more exchanges with Mestre Peixinho and the Groupo Senzala. He participated in many events and seminars. Soon he was coordinating a branch of the Grupo Senzala in Vitória/ES Brazil which taught the capoeira in schools, kindergartens, clubs and Sport Fitness Centers. He was always proud to have Mestre Peixinho as his master; a very important person in his development as capoeirista and as a Capoeira’s professional and educator.

Mestre Rodriguinho completed his post-graduate studies in Physical Education, specialising in school education and sports, and was recognized as a Capoeira master for Grupo Senzala in 2012. During this grading ceremony, Mestre Rodriguinho was honoured to be invited to play with the highly respected Grupo Senzala Mestres, including the prestigious founding Mestres.

In 2008, Mestre Rodriguinho moved to Canberra, Australia where he has been teaching capoeira ever since. Whilst in Canberra, he has also been performing for various events. He is very proud to share the Brazilian culture with the Australian Community.